BALTIMORE (WJZ)– It’s getting bigger every year. Sunday, thousands took part in WJZ‘s Great Prostate Cancer Challenge. It’s more than a 5k. It’s a lesson in men’s health.

Adam May has more.

The crowd was pumped up, runners ready.

“Welcome to the Fifth Annual Prostate Cancer Challenge.”

Mary Bass emceed the event, part of WJZ‘s Continuing Community Commitment.

“My name is Captain Dee Fense, one of the Ravens’ ultimate fans!”

And he’s a survivor of prostate cancer, along with former Colt Lenny Moore.

“How many are going to get checked up and checked out?” Moore asked.

A message for the crowd, which included hundreds of children learning about men’s health issues.

“We want more kids to get off the couch, get more active, live an active lifestyle,” said Ethan Draddy of the Boy Scouts.

This year, 200,000 American men will be diagnosed, 30,000 will die. But the death rate is dropping because of awareness.

“Any man should be screened once a year from the age of 50 on. Men with a higher risk, African-American men or a family history — a father or brother who died or diagnosed — should be screened from age 40 on,” Dr. Thomas Smyth from Chesapeake Urology said.

“Fortunately it was local, they performed the surgery and I’m here. Early detection is key, and if I hadn’t done that, maybe I wouldn’t be Captain Dee Fense,” he said.

A success for both men who love their Ravens and their second chance.

“They had to take out some lymph nodes in me,” Moore explained. “Just think, if I hadn’t gone in for the surgery, the cancer would have been spreading, and I wouldn’t be standing here. Thank God.”